Trio of Notre Dame football defenders said to be 'factors in games soon'

While the Notre Dame football team prepares for its final push to the playoffs, there are all kinds of different players who inhabit important roles. Riley Leonard is leading the offense to new heights. Xavier Watts is leading the defense in ways no one thought he'd be able to do a few years ago.

But there are also players that rarely get any news clippings that are helping the Fighting Irish gear up for their final push. In particular, there are three scout team defensive linemen who have caught head coach Marcus Freeman's eye.

Brenan Vernon, Devan Houstan and Sean Sevillano Jr. all got special shoutouts from the Notre Dame football coach on Thursday when he addressed the media for the last time before his team takes on Florida State. In singing their praises he said all three would be guys who make an impact in games before too long.

Trio of Notre Dame football reserves expected to be impact players soon

"I made this comment to the coaching staff yesterday that this might be the best scout team D-line that I've been around in a long time," Freeman said about the group. "And in terms of what they're able to, the level they're able to practice at and give our offensive line a realistic look at what they're going to see on Saturday, it's been really impressive."

Freeman also made sure to give them credit for how hard they're working to try and get on the field in a game someday.

"Those guys worked their tails off and they're getting better.  That'\s how you get better, right? It  Isn't what you want at the end of the day.  Everybody wants to play in the game.  But you know what?  You have to, within your role, find ways to get better.  And their role right now is to be on scout team.  And to be ready if we need them in the game.  But they are really accomplishing their roles at a high level.  I'm really pleased with all three of those guys."

Notre Dame football fans will get a look at how that work is paying off for the offense, at least, when they take on Florida State this Saturday.